Brockton Finance Committee Reviews Thirteen Department Budgets in Single Session

BROCKTON — June 9, 2026 — Brockton's Finance Committee reviewed thirteen department budgets in a single June 9 session, with police staffing shortfalls and a sharp law department budget cut drawing the most scrutiny. Police Chief Brenda Perez told councilors the department operates at 173 of 206 authorized officers and that 14 academy candidates are expected in June and August; CFO Dr. Clarkson acknowledged the department's overtime line was reduced as a budget-balancing measure but said mid-year transfers from salary to overtime are likely again. City Solicitor James O'Brien presented a $5,230,000 proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, a 25.3 percent drop from the prior year's more than $7 million, driven by three vacant attorney positions saving an estimated $418,000 annually; O'Brien said the department is managing roughly 290 active matters and is deploying outside counsel on 65 new code enforcement cases, with five receivership filings expected within weeks. The Parking Authority flagged a roughly 63 percent expense increase, the bulk from $518,000 in Carpenter Garage debt service appearing in its budget for the first time. Elections Director Cynthia Hogan confirmed the recent election recount cost well over $100,000, with a large share drawn from the law budget for special counsel fees. No votes were taken; the committee was set to resume the following evening.